Grandfather.

Today's post comes as fast as life does.  I hadn't had anything special to post - as I've been editing for the past two days, and haven't had time to let much 'life' in.  Life came and tugged at my heart, however, when I learned that a recent Bride of ours had lost her Grandfather.  The father of the bride had written us, asking if there was a way to rush an 8x10 for the funeral.  My heart sank, then sprung back up at the idea that I was going to be involved in the rejoicing of this sweet man's life.
As a wedding photographer, it is not necessarily in the job description that I take photos of anyone but the Bride and Groom, and the few family members they request.  Today I am thankful that I thrive on those images that catch people being people,  I don't see a session as just a session or a wedding as just a wedding, but instead a moment, 10 moments, 1000 moments, for me to catch, save, and share forever.
This man caught my eye the moment he 'strolled' in, and I am so happy to have been able to save these moments for his family and friends.

To photographers, please remember that you're not only catching the special moment's in your client's life, but you also have the opportunity to catch moments that will someday be special to many people.  And to those of you putting off having family portraits taken, or thinking of cutting your wedding budget down by paying less for photography, please remember that this day will only happen once.  Your little girl won't have that goofy half grown in front tooth forever, and someday, you'll miss it.  Your husband's beard that you absolutely hate will someday be the reminder of many memories and a time in your life.  Your first dance with the person you will spend the rest of your life with will be your best dance, and one of the many moments where you can look back and think about how perfect life can be.  Your Grandfather might not be here tomorrow.
Don't put off photography.  At the end of the day, it says everything, keeps everything, is everything we have left.

Attached to this man's flower was a tag saying 'Grandfather'.  I set it down on his chair/walker and took a photo.  I had no idea this photo would one day say so much to me.

My greatest sympathy goes to friends and family.

-Jess